Worth the Wait: Malaysia’s Romantic Triumph on the Global Stage
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
On July 4, 2025, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur transformed into a cinematic red carpet affair as Worth the Wait made its grand Malaysian debut at DaDi Cinema. More than 200 guests—ranging from Hollywood names to local stars—gathered under the glittering city lights, making this one of the most glamorous premieres Malaysia has ever hosted.
The anticipation wasn’t just about the film—it was about what it represented. Malaysia wasn’t just a shooting location; it was a co-star.
An All-Asian Cast with Global Appeal
Helmed by acclaimed Taiwanese director Tom Shu-Yu Lin, Worth the Wait marks his first English-language feature and boasts a cast that shines with Asian excellence:
Ross Butler (13 Reasons Why)
Lana Condor (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before)
Andrew Koji, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung
Karena Ka-Yan Lam (her first U.S./English film)
Osric Chau, Kheng Hua Tan, Yu-Beng Lim
This diverse line-up gives the film international resonance while staying true to its Asian roots—an achievement often missing in Hollywood romances.
Malaysia, The Star of the Story
From Kuala Lumpur’s buzzing streets to lush green escapes and tantalizing food scenes, the movie treats Malaysia as more than just a backdrop. At least 10 key sequences were filmed locally, including moments that spotlight iconic cityscapes and authentic everyday life.
It’s the kind of representation that makes Malaysians beam with pride and foreign viewers itch to book the next flight here.
A Love Story Born From Real Life
At its heart, Worth the Wait carries the soul of producer Rachel Tan, a former Miss Malaysia, who co-wrote and co-produced the film alongside her husband Dan Mark. Inspired by their own long-distance romance between Malaysia and the U.S., the story is grounded in faith, hope, and the trials of love across borders.
Rachel describes the movie not just as entertainment, but as “a heartfelt reflection of love and identity, celebrating Asian stories on a global scale.”
Tourism Malaysia’s Bold Bet
This film isn’t just a rom-com—it’s also a soft power strategy. Backed by Tourism Malaysia, Worth the Wait is part of a bigger push leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, noted: “Films like Worth the Wait inspire audiences worldwide to explore Malaysia for themselves. It’s cinema with purpose.”
It’s a smart move: a film that entertains while showcasing the country’s landscapes, culture, and warmth to global audiences.
From Kuala Lumpur to the World
Having premiered in the U.S. on Fox’s Tubi streaming platform, the film has already made waves internationally. Now, it’s screening in 30+ cinemas across Malaysia, perfectly timed with the spirit of Merdeka celebrations, before rolling out in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Taiwan, and the Middle East.
In Malaysia, it’s being distributed by Astro Shaw, further rooting the film in local cinematic pride.
Critics Agree: It Was Worth It
Early reviews praise the film for:
Authentic storytelling without tokenism.
Relatable settings—from home kitchens to bustling streets—that ground the romance in reality.
Emotional maturity across its characters, weaving love, loss, and healing into a narrative that feels universal.
It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just play to your heart—it lingers there.
In the end, Worth the Wait is more than a love story. It’s Malaysia’s cinematic showcase to the world—a blend of romance, identity, and national pride. For audiences, it’s a chance to fall in love not just with the characters, but with Malaysia itself.
Because sometimes, the best things—like love, like movies—are worth the wait.
The Uncommon Breed
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